‘Cuckoo fund’ ban for homes in new Galway development

An Bord Pleanála has ruled that almost half of the 100 homes to be built in a new development on the Monivea Road cannot be sold or leased to investment funds.

The planning authority approved a proposal to construct 102 houses, duplex units and apartments on a 3.5-acre site bounded by the Monivea Road and the Ballybane More Road.

The site is around 400 metres west of Briarhill Shopping Centre and is currently occupied by four houses and outbuildings. It is adjacent to the Maryam mosque and the Dún Briota development.

The plans involve the demolition of the existing houses and construction of 55 apartments; 34 duplex units and 13 semi-detached and terraced houses, as well as a creche facility, 94 car parking spaces and 220 bicycle spaces.

Pedestrian and vehicular access will be from the Monivea Road and further pedestrian access from Ballybane More Road.

There were two submissions on the plan from neighbouring residents, who said the idea that many residents will own a car, but use public transport is not realistic. There were concerns about traffic congestion and residents parking in neighbouring estates and that there would be insufficient open space for a development which could have up to 400 residents. Concerns were also raised about the boundary and how a proper one could be constructed.

Galway City Council also made a submission, noting that there was an appropriate amount of homes and mix of house types proposed, but said the creche and large open space area/playground should be built as part of the first phase of development.

An Bord Pleanála’s Planning Inspector, Rónán O’Connor, said: “The site is located in an area with a wide range of social infrastructure facilities. I am satisfied that the development would not have any significant adverse impacts on the amenities. The future occupiers of the scheme will also benefit from a high standard of internal amenity and the proposal will contribute significantly to the public realm.”

The Board approved the application, but stipulated that the developer must enter into an agreement with the City Council that restricts all houses and duplex units “to first occupation by individual purchasers i.e. those not being a corporate entity, and/or by those eligible for the occupation of social and/or affordable housing, including cost rental housing”.

According to the decision, this is in order “to restrict new housing development to use by persons of a particular class or description in order to ensure and adequate choice and supply of housing, including affordable housing, in the common good”.

The stipulation relates to a total of 13 houses and 34 duplex units in the overall development of 102 homes.

Construction work will be restricted to between 7am and 7pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 10 of the properties will be transferred to the City Council to meet social housing regulations.

The planning application was lodged by Sathel Ltd, owned by the executors of the estate of Elizabeth Coyle from Claregalway. Her son, property developer Tom Coyle, is a director of the company.